The radically styled vehicle uses an automatic permanent-4WD system and, according to Honda and Acura, "a sophisticated powertrain that also will be environmentally responsible and achieve excellent fuel efficiency with very low exhaust emissions".

Acura styling cues include the pentagram front grille and "jeweled" headlights. Wheels are 18-inch alloys with specially designed Michelin tyres.

The high cabin features four individual bucket seats and a tri-colour earth-tone leather interior.

Storage space is available through separate front and rear centre consoles along with flat passenger and rear cargo area floors for easy loading and access.

Honda and Acura say the MD-X "offers a glimpse at Acura's future SUV", due in US showrooms in the last quarter of the year. That vehicle will be built at the Alliston, Ontario, Canada manufacturing facility.